Quality Manager

Actalent; Nicholasville (KY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Medical, dental & vision

Life Insurance (Voluntary)

Job summary

Actalent in Nicholasville, KY is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead all QA/QC activities in a manufacturing operation. You will manage the QMS, drive continuous improvement, and ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements.

This contract-to-hire role requires collaboration with operations, engineering, supply chain and customer service; includes CAPA, audits, supplier quality, lean initiatives, and data-driven quality reporting. Onsite role with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quality/engineering/manufacturing field.
• 5+ years of progressive quality management experience in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading quality teams and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the QMS, ensuring compliance with internal requirements and standards.
• Develop and monitor quality procedures and work instructions for consistent manufacturing processes.
• Analyze quality metrics to identify trends and root causes for improvement.
• Lead internal, supplier, and customer audits and drive corrective actions.
• Coordinate CAPA programs, including documentation and closure of actions.
• Perform root cause analysis using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and FTA methods.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service.
• Drive lean initiatives and process optimization to reduce defects and waste.
• Oversee quality reporting tools and data-driven decision making.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other regulatory requirements.

Skills

QMS management

Quality audits

CAPA

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP systems

Quality reporting tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Quality reporting tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

As the Quality Assurance Manager, you lead and oversee all quality assurance and quality control activities within a manufacturing operation. You manage the quality management system, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that products consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of quality across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with internal requirements as well as customer and industry standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality standards, procedures, and detailed work instructions to support consistent and reliable manufacturing processes.
• Analyze quality metrics and performance data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in products and processes.
• Lead internal quality audits, supplier audits, and customer audits to verify compliance and drive corrective actions where needed.
• Direct supplier quality initiatives, including supplier qualification, performance scorecards, corrective actions, and PPAP activities.
• Plan and lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs, ensuring actions are properly documented, tracked, and effectively closed.
• Conduct root cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone (Ishikawa), and Fault Tree Analysis to resolve complex quality issues.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams to resolve quality concerns and improve cross-functional processes.
• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on defect reduction, waste reduction, process optimization, and increased customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies related to quality and manufacturing.
• Manage customer quality issues in a customer-facing capacity, providing timely communication, thorough investigation, and effective corrective actions.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and lead quality team members, setting clear expectations and driving accountability for departmental objectives.
• Champion lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and overall operational performance.
• Oversee quality reporting tools and systems, ensuring accurate documentation and effective use of data for decision-making.
• Support project management activities related to quality, including planning, execution, and monitoring of quality-focused projects.
• Apply advanced quality tools such as FMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA, and GD&T in the development and control of manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate and support compliance activities, ensuring that all quality-related processes align with relevant standards and customer requirements.
• Utilize ERP systems to manage and track quality-related information, documentation, and workflows.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive quality management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading quality teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, auditing practices, and statistical analysis methods.
• Experience implementing, maintaining, and auditing ISO 9001-compliant quality management systems.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone (Ishikawa), and Fault Tree Analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead internal audits, supplier audits, and customer audits.
• Experience developing, tracking, and closing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Quality management leadership experience, including managing teams, coaching employees, and driving accountability.
• Supplier quality management experience, including supplier qualification, scorecards, corrective actions, and PPAP activities.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset with experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality reporting tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a customer-facing role to address and resolve quality issues.
• Familiarity with compliance requirements related to quality and manufacturing.
• Experience using ERP systems to support quality management activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ASQ certifications such as Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or related credentials.
• Formal experience with ISO 9001 quality management systems, including implementation and continuous maintenance.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience with metal fabrication, assembly, machining, or electromechanical manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of advanced quality tools and methodologies, including FMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA, and GD&T.
• Experience supporting supplier quality management programs and customer audit requirements.
• Strong background in continuous improvement, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Experience in project management related to quality initiatives.

Work Environment

This role operates within an established manufacturing facility that uses older equipment and an older production environment. You work in a collaborative and supportive setting where quality is central to the culture and where innovation, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement are highly valued. The organization offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off and holidays, and structured career development opportunities. You have the chance to make a meaningful impact on products trusted by customers worldwide and to help shape the future of quality excellence within a respected manufacturing organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nicholasville, KY.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $62.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Nicholasville,KY.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.